Last Name Colavito

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colavito

The meaning and origin of the last name Colavito

The surname Colavito is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Cola," which was a diminutive form of the personal name Nicola (Nicholas) or Cola, and the suffix "-viti" meaning "son of." This surname is common among Italians and is found predominantly in southern regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Over time, various spellings of this name have emerged due to differences in transcription and translation, including Colavito, Cavaletto, Cavaliere, and others. The name's origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the use of surnames became more widespread in Italy as a means of identification among growing populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colavito

The surname Colavito is predominantly Italian, primarily found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania, reflecting its origin from these areas in Southern Italy. Emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a significant spread of the name among Italian communities in various parts of the world. In North America, large populations with the Colavito surname can be found predominantly in the United States, particularly in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California, as well as in Canada, especially in Ontario and Quebec. Smaller populations are also present in other countries such as Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, where Italian immigrants established their communities. In Europe, besides Italy, the name can be found in Switzerland and Germany due to historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colavito

The surname Colavito has several variations and alternate spellings. These include Colavitti, Collavito, Colavitta, Culavito, Kollavito, and Colavitto. These variations may originate from regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preferences in spelling. It is important to note that these variations share a common root, "Cola," meaning coal in Italian, possibly indicating an occupation of the original bearer of this name, and "vito" which means life. The surname Colavito is primarily of Italian origin but may also be found among people with Italian ancestry in other parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Colavito

Notable individuals with the surname Colavito include:

1. Tony Colavito (born 1938), an American professional baseball player who played for teams like the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. He is known for hitting the last home run ever hit at Yankee Stadium before it was renovated in 1974.
2. Anthony J. Colavito (born 1946), an American anthropologist, archaeologist, and curator who has conducted research on the indigenous cultures of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. He is currently a professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico.
3. Joe Colavito (born 1950), an American jazz trumpeter who played with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, and Sarah Vaughan. He has released several albums under his own name, including "A Touch of Brass" and "Joe Colavito Quartet."
4. Mark Colavito (born 1968), an American professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation as Crush. He is a two-time Intercontinental Champion and was known for his powerful moves, including the Samoan Drop and Avalanche Splash.

Genealogical research on the last name Colavito

The Colavito surname is of Italian origin and is derived from the combination of two words: "colosso" meaning giant, and "vita" meaning life, suggesting a nickname for someone who was perceived as strong or powerful. It is most prevalent in Southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily.

The earliest recorded instance of the Colavito surname dates back to the 16th century in Naples, Italy. The family is believed to have migrated from there to other parts of Europe and North America over subsequent centuries due to economic hardships, wars, and religious conflicts. In the United States, large numbers of Colavitos can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, primarily in urban areas with high Italian-American populations.

The Colavito family tree is vast and diverse, with various branches specializing in different professions such as agriculture, construction, and the arts. Famous individuals bearing this surname include baseball player Tony Colavito and actor Frankie Avalon, both of whom have American origins. Genealogical research on the Colavito family continues to uncover more connections and histories within this extensive lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colavito"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025